In a world that expects people to be constantly available, it isn't easy to get away from responsibilities and relax. That mentality can take quite a toll on people and their sleep schedules. After all, sleeping is tough when you have an early meeting you're nervous about or new emails waiting for your response.
All that leads to poor sleep quality. And if your sleeping suffers, you suffer. Try to recognize the importance of sleeping well, and check out these Amazon Alexa skills that can help.
1. Zen Radio - Sleep & Meditation Music
Say "Alexa, open Zen Radio."
Background music can be super helpful as you can use it to help do things like study, clean, or work out. Sleep is not excluded from that list. Listening to calming, quiet music can help when you're trying to drift off and fall asleep. The Zen Radio - Sleep & Meditation Music skill offers just that.
It provides a selection of 35 relaxing channels you can pick from and enjoy, including a Sleep Relaxation option. The music streams 24/7. So until you close the Zen Radio skill, you'll always be able to listen. Check it out next time you feel like sleeping with a calming soundtrack in the background.
2. Sleep Sounds: Ocean Sounds
Say "Alexa, start Ocean Sounds."
It's not uncommon for people to drift off much faster when they hear babbling brooks, thunder, or any other sounds from nature. If sleep comes easy when there's rainfall, wind, or a storm outside your window, look no further than the Sleep Sounds: Ocean Sounds skill.
It provides calm, relaxing sounds as an aid to help you sleep peacefully or to use to block out unwanted noises around you.
Once you activate it, it loops automatically and plays until you direct it to stop. If you wish to time it, you can. Just tell Alexa how many hours you want it to play, and she'll oblige.
3. Night Light
Say "Alexa, open Night Light."
If you don't want to sleep in complete darkness, try the Night Light skill. It doesn't provide a blinding light as if it's daytime, but instead offers a subdued glow that's just enough to help you while not keeping you awake or bother you in any way.
It's not only children who don't like the dark, and fear isn't the only reason to want soft light on while you sleep. If you get up a lot during the night, it's nice to actually see your surroundings and avoid stubbing your toe or tripping on something. Also, if you have pets, they'd certainly appreciate not getting stepped on.
The skill also ensures that Alexa doesn't make a sound while it's on, so it doesn't accidentally disturb you.
4. Sleep Buddy
Say "Alexa, ask Sleep Buddy when should I go to bed to wake up at 7 a.m."
If you have to get up for an important meeting, school, work, or whatever else and want to ensure you get a good night's sleep, use the Sleep Buddy skill.
It uses REM sleep properties to figure out the best time for you to fall asleep. For example, if you want to get up at 8 a.m., you just have to ask when you should go to bed to wake up well-rested, and it will let you know.
That way, you won't get tangled in that horrible math we all do when it's suddenly midnight, and we start convincing ourselves that if we fall asleep in the next 10 minutes, we'll still get enough sleep to be ready to go early the next morning.
5. Short Bedtime Story
Say "Alexa, launch Bedtime Story."
Listening to a podcast as you go to sleep has become a part of many of our bedtime routines. That's because it's quite easy to fall asleep listening to someone talk in a monotonous, even tone. And it is also relaxing.
However, finding the right podcast for that goal can be tricky. Some hosts raise their voice too much, others outright yell. And there can be ads involved that break the even-leveled tempo altogether. It can be a mess. Why not use the Short Bedtime Story skill instead?
The skill can help you drift off and fall asleep by listening to someone talk. The skill is not engaging enough to force you to keep yourself awake so you can keep up with what's being said, as a podcast might. You can even get the story personalized to your own name. And, yes, that may seem childish, but why not? Who said bedtime stories are just for kids? Enjoy the content, and have a great night's rest.
6. Sleep Tales - Relaxing Bedtime Stories for All
Say "Alexa, open Sleep Tales."
If you want a combination of two previously mentioned skills, Sleep Sounds and Short Bedtime Story, look no further than Sleep Tales - Relaxing Bedtime Stories for All. It's the perfect mix.
The skill incorporates stories that get told with calming background noises—all in the hopes of getting you relaxed and falling asleep ASAP.
The stories flow in a gentle, calm manner, and the background noises complement the language. Give the skill a chance if you can't decide between listening to a story or just a soothing sound.
7. Sleep Meditation: 1hr Meditation for Insomnia
Say "Alexa, launch Sleep Meditation."
It's been said that meditation helps with falling asleep easier. If you want to give that a try, use Sleep Meditation: 1hr Meditation for Insomnia skill.
It offers a guided sleep meditation that it claims has helped millions of people who have insomnia. The meditations included in the skill talk through visualizations and exercises, all made specifically to help you fall asleep. They last for about an hour, which is great as it grants you plenty of time to relax, clear your mind, and fall into a deep sleep.
You don't have to be an insomniac to give the skill a try. And if you are, a simple try can't hurt, right?
8. Good Night
Say "Alexa, Good Night."
If being alone at night, when you're trying to fall asleep, scares you enough to keep you awake, try the Good Night skill.
You don't have to feel alone when Alexa is there. Trick your mind into believing that you're not actually alone, and you might get to sleep quicker. It's a simple thing that can be quite effective, so give it a shot and let Alexa keep you company.
Use Alexa Skills for a Better Night's Rest
Do not underestimate the importance of sleep. Poor sleep quality can cause a whirl of issues your way, both mental and physical. Not to mention how it hinders productivity.
The more well-rested you are, the more productive. Do yourself a favor, and next time you hear someone say, "Sleep is for the weak" or "Sleep when you're dead," think of how much better you feel and how more better-prepared for the day's challenges you are after a good night's rest. Use all available tools at your disposal to help improve your sleep schedule.
And if you want to track how well you’re sleeping at night, there are many great apps for wearable devices like the popular Apple Watch.
